Category: Dailies

Wuerfel Park-Traverse City, MI: While back visiting family in Michigan, we decided to take in a Beach Bums game, the defending Frontier League champions. It seemed like we brought some of the southern heat with us, as the temps were pushing the upper 80’s, but the nice cool breeze off of Lake Michigan turned it into a perfect night for baseball. Brian remembered that the Slammers gave him a baseball last year, so he was actually rooting for the visitors.

The way the game started out, I thought it would be a high scoring affair, but then the pitchers settled in, and the game moved by pretty fast. At one point, 10 Beach Bum players were retired in a row. Lucky for TC, Jacob Lanning was on the mound, as he pitched a complete nine inning game for the win. He gave up only one run in the first inning, on seven hits, and he struck out two.

Also during the game, Brian was able to catch up with both Beach Bum mascots, Suntan and Sunburn. Be honest…doesn’t it look like the red bear is flipping me off??!!

SUNTANSUNBURN

Anyway, the Beach Bums scored one run in the first inning on a Will Kengor RBI double that scored Jose Vargas. Then in the fifth inning, Jeff DeBlieux hit a double of his own, this time scoring two to put TC in the lead for good. It was good to be back in Michigan, if only for a few days, and I’m sure this isn’t the end of us enjoying some games up here. We look forward to our next game in Kentucky, though! FINAL: Beach Bums 3, Slammers 1.

Great American Ballpark-Cincinnati, OH: I have a new best friend, and it’s name is Seat Geek. It’s nice to live in an area where you don’t have to make plans too far out, as there are many places to catch a ballgame, and some days you have choices. When I woke up early Sunday morning, I checked out my app, and found fourth row tickets to the Cincinnati Reds game for only $9 each. I know the Reds aren’t exactly having the best season, but this was still a good deal in my mind, since it’s a ballpark we’ve never been to before. It was a day game, so God forgive me, we missed church, and drove just over an hour to Newport, KY. Now, Newport is a nice little town right on the Ohio River right across from Cincy, and after lunch were able to take a boat shuttle across the river to the game. It was pretty awesome, and only $5 a person. It’s better than paying and dealing with a parking garage, anyway.

A quick video:

The Great American Ballpark is a beautiful stadium, and it has a great baseball atmosphere. We were able to poke around a bit before the game, as there is lots to see once inside. Brian liked the play area, and especially the little fan ball field that he was able to play on.

We made it to our seats, and I was more than happy with our view! These are the kind of seats I’m used to at the Minor League venues. The boys were pretty much in ‘awe’, as this is the biggest stadium that they have ever been to.

Brian has a new best friend, too, and his name is Eugenio Suarez. When he was in the Detroit system, we saw him play as a member of the Single-A West Michigan Whitecaps, and Brian just happened to be wearing a ‘Caps shirt. Suarez noticed it (I’m guessing, really, don’t know for sure, but..) he looked at Brian and threw him a game ball. Not bad, kid, a ball at your first MLB game!

Brian made another friend, too, as he noticed Mr. Redlegs up on he concourse, and of course, we had to run up there for a photo op with him!

Brian with Mr. Redlegs

Oh, yeah, and all this time, there was a ballgame going on, too. The Reds actually jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the 2nd inning. Pitcher Jon Moscot couldn’t hold the lead for his team, however, as the Nationals got all over him in the fourth inning scoring five, then the Nats scored five more over the next two innings. Moscot got the hook, but Daniel Wright didn’t do much better, giving up three runs in 1.1 innings and he ended up taking the loss.

The Reds really made a comeback, however, scoring three runs in the seventh and one in the ninth to cut the lead to one. Tyler Holt lead the way offensively, going 3-5 with two RBI’s. Jay Bruce chipping in, going 1-3 with two RBI’s and two runs scored, while Brandon Phillips added three hits and an RBI. FINAL: Reds 9, Nationals 10.

I also have to give a shout out to Kyle Waldrop, who we saw play in Louisville last month:

Also, I didn’t forget to take another video of the game and ballpark. I can’t wait until our next game here!

Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: It’s that time of the year again, and a change in venue couldn’t keep me from taking my scruffy-looking nerf-herders to Star Wars night. This year is our first here in Louisville, and they put on a pretty good show for the kids. Due to an accident on the freeway, we got to the game about a half hour late, so Brian missed out on his free light-saber (not that he doesn’t have an arsenal of them at home..). But, the weather was perfect, and my friend Darryl visiting from Ohio got us great seats behind the first base dugout. They had the Star Wars characters on the field before the game, and throwing out some first pitches.

We watched a few innings of the game, which turned out to be a pitchers duel, sort of… Chad Rogers got the start for the Bats, and he ended up pitching four shut-out innings. He gave up only five hits on the night, while walking two, and striking out three.

When the Star Wars characters started making their way to the concourse, the boys and I decided to join them. First of all, Brian was really happy just to finally meet the Bat’s mascot, Buddy Bat!

Brian and Buddy Bat

We then were able to see some of the Star Wars guys, with Brian getting in with an Imperial Speeder Bike Trooper, and Trevor and I were happy to see Boba Fett, who is our favorite and we missed him last year.

Back to the game. A 0-0 tie doesn’t sound all that exciting, but this was a great game to watch. Both teams had runners in scoring position multiple times without being able to push a run home. Louisville actually had the bases loaded with no outs in the sixth, and were unable to score. Pair that with a gorgeous night for baseball, and we didn’t mind at all going into extra innings! The game finally came to an end in the 11th, when Seth Mejias-Brean smacked a two-run homer to win the game and send the crowd home happy. Relief pitcher Wandy Peralta picked up his first win of the season, and Kyle Waldrop added a pair of doubles in the game. FINAL: Louisville 2, Clippers 0, 11 innings.

This game was as much fun at a ballgame that I’ve had in some time. It was a great time spent with the boys and my best friend, and it’s always good to be surrounded by other knowledgeable baseball fans. If the weather could be like this every game, I would be more than happy. I’m sure we’ll be making another trip to Louisville Slugger Field, too, and to some other teams in the area. I did remember to take a quick video, too, hoping the Bats would win it in the ninth.

Jim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY: Well, I thought it would be a little bit warmer here in Kentucky, but last weekend was a little bit cool. With cold, nasty, rainy weather blasting the Midwest lately, I guess I can’t complain too much, as I’m sure we have it better than others. While the temp was a little on the cold side, the Louisville Cardinals baseball team stayed hot. Hosting ACC rival North Carolina State, we were able to get downtown and see the middle game of the series. I brought the boys with, and as usual Brian decided to head to the playground.

So, we’re back in the outfield, and that’s where we watched most of the game from. The first half of the game was definitely a pitchers’ duel. On the bump for the Cards, Drew Harrington picked up the win to improve his record to 10-1. He pitched seven innings allowing two runs, walking one, and striking out seven. Zack Burdi can in to pitch the ninth and earn the save, striking out all three batters!

Louisville was led offensively by Brendan McKay, going 2-4 with an RBI. Drew Ellis went 2-2 with a run scored and a RBI. All the Cards runs were scored in the fifth inning. Final: Cardinals 4, Wolfpack 2.

U of L is currently on a 19 game home winning streak, counting there win over Indiana last night. They ended up sweeping 10th ranked NC State, winning 2-0 on Friday, and 6-1 on Sunday. They don’t have any more regular season home games scheduled, but I’m hoping they’ll host a NCAA Regional after the ACC tournament is over. I didn’t make a video during the game, but Trevor and I did make it on TV! I re-watched the game after we got home, and found us in the upper left hand corner:

Walsh Park-La Grange, KY: Brian has had no problem fitting into our new environment here in Kentucky. In fact, he suited up for the Mariners and played his first game within the first few days. I was honestly hesitant on whether to sign him up or not, knowing he wouldn’t have any practices, and playing in a more competitive league than he’s used to. Brian put all my concerns to rest after his first game, however. He went 1-2 at the plate, and played well. More than anything, his smile after the game, and the simple statement “I had fun” was all I needed to hear. Yeah, he may be a step behind some of the other players, but at the same time he is contributing to his team, and is a step ahead of others.

I also have to say that I’m very impressed with the North Oldham Little League organization, and the coaches involved. The kids play in a beautiful facility at Walsh Park as well. The coaches don’t baby the kids, but treat them like young men, and at the same time stressing for them to relax and have fun. I honestly think that he’s made more friends on the field than he has at his new school, also. Overall, this has been a great move for us, especially from a baseball perspective. They’ve had a couple of rainouts, but look to be making some games up this weekend and early in the week. I’ll post more updates as his season progresses.

Jim Patterson Stadium-Louisville, KY: Brian had to make his first appearance at a Cardinals game sooner or later, so we just decided sooner. Louisville hosted the Cincinnati Bearcats in a non-conference game, and this was a good chance to see our top-10 team in action. Brian loved the façade of the ballpark, with the arc and the big bats (we haven’t made it to the Slugger museum yet). We found seats for a little while, but migrated to the outfield so he could play on the playground.

I could still watch the game, and got a solid panoramic which is always good!

It was a decent vantage point to watch the game, and the Cardinals were playing solid ball against the Bearcats. The home team had their Louisville Slugger warmed up for the game, scoring seven run. The Cards were led by Will Smith, who went 2-4 with a home run. Colby Finch pitched in going 2-2 with two runs scored, while Blake Tiberi went 2-4 with 2 RBI.

Louisville Slugger Field-Louisville, KY: Well, it only took us a few days in town to hit our first Bats game. Trevor has been here before, back in 2009, but this was Brian’s first experience here. Due to the weather, though, the pre-game kids clinic was postponed, so I’ll have to wait until June to see Brian take the field here. He had fun playing on the playground, however, and the caro carous caris merry-go-round. Trevor and I took a selfie with the MiLB app, and reminisced about our game here seven years ago.

We sat over by the Durham Bulls bullpen, or Bull-pen, and had a great view of the game. Brian was hoping to meet mascot Buddy Bat, but he was busy on field pretty much the whole game, and never made it into the crowd. One of the ballpark staff members mentioned that he’s more active in the crowd during weekday games.

We did get to see Jake the Diamond Dog, however, as his doghouse was right in front of us. He brought flowers to a fan in the front row, brought some water to the umpires, and served as a batboy, er, batdog, for an inning.

As for the game, I don’t think we were much luck for the home team, as they had a six game winning streak snapped. Right-handed pitcher A.J. Morris started the game for the Bats, throwing three scoreless innings, striking out one batter and allowing only two hits. Relief pitcher Tim Melville took the loss, giving up two runs on two hits, including a home run.

At the plate, DH Jesse Winkler lead Louisville’s limited offense going 1-4 with an RBI. No Bats player had more than one hit in the game, but Hernan Iribbaren was 1-2 with two walks. FINAL: Bats 1, Bulls 3.

The started a little about the fifth or sixth inning, but nothing that could ruin our evening at the ballpark. It was a fun game with the boys, and I look forward to so many more here as they keeping growing. We’ll try to drag Lily to a game or two if we can also! With the rain, I forgot to take a quick video, but I will for next game.